KINE 3020 Study Guide - Connectionism, Distributed Computing, Motor Learning

• School: York University
• Department: Kinesiology & Health Science
• Course: KINE 3020
• Professor: Merv Mosher

Document Summary

Parallel distributed processing: when a signal is processed simultaneously among many different brain structures but for different purposes (processed simultaneously in certain parts of the brain then sent elsewhere to generate an action/response) Different parts of the brain act independently on the spinal motor neurons. Hierarchical distributed processing: when a signal is processed within ascending levels of the cns. Structures of the brain can involve higher-level processing for both perception and action. The highest levels of control in the brain only affect the next levels down. Use of both parallel and hierarchical distributed processing allows for a certain overlap of functions, so that one system is able to take over from another when environmental or task conditions require it. Use of both also allows for a certain amount of recovery from neural injury, by the use of alternate pathways. Stimuli processed at the spinal cord level: somatosensory information from the muscles, joints, and skin.